Lead CNC Programmer

Sigma Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth precision engineering firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Lead CNC Programmer with extensive 5-axis machining expertise. You will oversee production runs, program machinery, and mentor team members to standardize and improve practices. The role offers a competitive salary, pension, and generous holidays. If you're ready to make a difference in a dynamic environment, apply now.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension

20 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in machining tight-tolerance parts.
• Fluent in CAM software and confident editing at the control.
• Proven ability to improve cycle-time and tool life.

Responsibilities

• Oversee initial production runs ensuring safety and stability.
• Program machinery using modern CAM software.
• Design modular fixtures and define probing strategies.
• Mentor programmers and operators.
• Collaborate with inspection for GD&T compliance.

Skills

5-axis machining expertise

Proficient in CAM software

Experience with probing and macros

Familiarity with FMS or pallet systems

Job description

Overview

Why You Should Apply?

This isn't just another machining job... It's your chance to become the technical authority in a high-growth AS9100 acredited precision engineering business, focussing on the expanding space and defence sectors. If you have deep 5-axis expertise and a passion for mentoring, you will get the tools, investment, and freedom to elevate 5-axis capability; faster prove-outs, rock-solid fixturing, smarter probing, cleaner code, and a team to coach. The company have also been consistently investing in their facility and equipment, with the latest being a significant CapEx expenditure for a new CNC Machine.

Your Remuneration Package: A competitive salary (dependent on experience), pension, 20 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays, with additional days given for the Christmas shutdown.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing complex initial production runs, from de-risking setups to ensuring stability and safety.
• Programming for simultaneous 5-axis and 3+2 machinery using modern CAM software.
• Designing modular fixtures and defining probing strategies.
• Standardising best practices by developing tooling libraries, set-up sheets, and version-controlled programs.
• Mentoring programmers and operators, transforming expert knowledge into repeatable methods.
• Collaborating closely with the inspection department to achieve GD&T compliance through disciplined process control.

Qualifications

• Extensive 5-axis experience in machining tight-tolerance parts from materials ranging from aluminium to nickel-based alloys.
• Fluent in CAM software and confident making edits directly at the control.
• Experience with probing, macros, and in-process verification.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in cycle-time, tool life, and set-up reduction.
• Experience with FMS or pallet systems like MAM or Fastems is a plus.

Next Steps

If you are ready for a lead cnc programmer role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. Apply now for a confidential discussion.

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